G-You May 2016 Edition

Ellie

Economics Student from Glasgow - Loves to ride her bicycle

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Contents

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CO N TE N TS Hello readers!

I am writing as your new Editor-InChief of G-You Magazine. I am very excited to bring you a whole host of interesting articles and continue the brilliant content that G-You has to offer. For the first issue, we hope to relieve you from exam stress in any way we can, first by offering you a food special with enticing alternatives to the library cafe. If that’s not enough to tickle your tastebuds (sorry), then we have exam survival tips from fellow students to get you through. If you’re brain needs numbing, turn to page 12 for some films and documentaries to do the trick. I’m very excited for the year ahead, please do get in touch with any comments and suggestions you may have. A huge good luck for any exams! See you on the other side.

4&5 From the board

6&7 News - Eu Referendum: a Crash guide 8&9 femeng: in rwanda 10&11 culture - ‘mind-numbing’ movies and documentaries 12&13 column - summer stories: working the fringe 14&15 column - beer bar chat: exam survival 16&17&18 lifestyle - exam cooking special 19 Photography competition winner

Anna Ireland Editor-in-Chief Editorial Team: Culture Editor - Anna Ireland News Editor - Hannah Burgess Column Editor - Amy McShane Lifestyle Editor - Kate Whitaker Cover and Graphics Editor - Rachel McCarney Photography Editor - Lottie van Grieken

CONTRIBUTORS: Lottie van Grieken, Kate Whitaker, Amy McShane, Rachel McCarney, Ailsa Jones, Roddy MacVicar, John Willyson, Sinead O’Hagan, Anna Robb, Matthew Botez, Alice Cockburn If you’d like to contribute in any way, or get in touch, please email: libraries@guu.co.uk, or check us out below; Facebook - /GYoumagazine Twitter - @g_youmagazine Instagram - @gyoumagazine Website - www.gyou.co.uk G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

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Fr om the Boar d

Hello and welcome to a brand spanking new edition of G- YOU! We write to you from the dark and dismal days of our summer exam period, with life consisting of early mornings spent searching for a seat in the library, Tesco meal deals three times a day, and the same conversation repeated with everyone you bump into (when do you finish exams though?). Do not fear, though, there is light at the end of the tunnel… On Friday the 20th May, the GUU is bringing summer to you with our infamous annual Beach Party!

One of the most anticipated events of the year, Beach Party is the post exam blowout we all need. This year we are bringing you straight to Thailand with our theme- Full Moon party.

With events on throughout the day such as an al fresco open mic on the grassy knoll run by our entertainments committee, and “Life’s a Beach” being run by our games committee, this one is not to be missed. And it doesn’t stop there; If you just can’t wait for all that beachy goodness, in the run up we are teaming up with GU Eurovision society to bring you hours of Europop joy with our Eurovision Grand Final viewing party, held in the debates chamber on Saturday 14th May. With face paint, flags, photo props and glitter, all to the backdrop of Graham Norton, we’ve got you covered.

All ten of the Present Student Members on board are organised into teams at the start of the year or “op-comms”, each with a different area to take care of. The three of us are charge of events G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

and bars at the Union, therefore we are tasked with helping organise the monthly events and drinks deals we all adore.

There are regular favourites such as Halloween, St. Paddy’s and of course D*** F***** (Dark Fajita), and also some less well known but equally as great like refreshers HIVE and “ T h e f u n d o e s n ’ t nights Octoberfest. year we will s t o p a t B e a c h strive to bringThis you P a r t y , h o w e v e r . new to the table- something Ramadan E a c h m o n t h o f Rave? Hanukah HIVE? Guy t e r m t i m e w e a i m Fawkes fireworks display in base t o h o s t a d i f f e r e n t bar? Anything is possible. event.”

So with all that to look forward Our most recent event was the to, what’s a couple more measly end of term frat party, where we weeks of studying? Still quite a brought you the “pint of freedom” lot? Well you can’t say we didn’t (Jack Daniels, Orange VK and try. lemonade). We think it’s safe to say that night we all felt pretty Lots of love and kisses, liberated, so be sure to keep an eye out for something a bit dif- BARTOPIA 2k16 (RODDY, ferent to tropically tantalise your JOHN AND AILSA) taste buds on offer at the bars this beach party…

The fun doesn’t stop at Beach Party, however. Each month of term time we aim to host a different event.

Fr om the Boar d

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F RO M T HE B OAR D

RODDY MACVICAR, JOHN WILLYSON & AILSA JONES

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News

E U R E F E R E N DU M : A C RAS H GUI DE LOTTIE VAN GRIEKEN Baffled by the referendum? Unsure who to listen to? Here are some of the key points to know about the potential Brexit (Britain’s exit) from the European Union (EU).

What? The European Union is a political and economic union of 28 European countries. The UK has been a member of it since 1973, one of the first members excluding the founding states.

It contains key institutions including: The European Parliament. Makes up the legislative function of the EU. It is made up of 751 Members of European Parliament (MEP’s).

It is directly elected every 5 years with the next election due in 2019. MEP’s are elected through using the Party List, STV and FPTP systems. The Parliament usually meets in either Brussles or Strasbourg.

European Commission.The executive body of the European Union who is responsible for proposing legislations, implementing decisions and upholding treaties.

It acts as the civil service of EU with 28 commissioners from each G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

EU country who as a whole are responsible for money and laws.

The commission also meets in Brussles.

European Council. Contains 28 national ministers (1 per state) and gives Governments of the countries an opportunity to have their say. It helps to guide political directions and come to agreements and compromises. Presidency of the Council rotates every 6 months among the governments of the EU. European Court of Justice. The ECJ is there to resolve things between countries and EU bodies.

It is the highest court in the European Union and is key to interpreting EU law and ensuring its equal application across Europe.

It is based in Luxembourg.

European Central Bank. Consists of 19 member states and is the biggest area of currency in the world. This is the central bank for the Euro and monetary policy within the Eurozone. The headquarters are in Frankfurt.

The Question? “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the

European Union?”

The options for voters will be ‘Remain a member of the European Union’ and ‘Leave the European Union’ Who can vote? Anyone who is a British, Irish and a Commonwealth citizen over the age of 18 who is resident in the UK and UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in the past 15 years.

How to vote? REGISTER. This can be done online. Voting can be done in person or by post. For more information on postal voting visit: http://www.aboutmyvote. co.uk/how-do-i-vote/voting-by-post When? The UK will be holding an in-out referendum on Thursday 23rd June 2016.

Why? The impact of this referendum will have a lifelong impact on us all.

News

However, everything to do with the referendum is subject to individual opinion. There is a huge amount of bias between news sites and online forums. Do your research – consider the following topics in particular which take into consideration some key positives and negatives about being in the EU:

Politics

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implemented.

- EU law enforcement The UK could make a clean break with - Loss of influence in Brussels, Berlin the EU, relying on its membership of and Paris and other key cities the World Trade Organisation as a basis for trade Cultural/Social David Cameron claims to have secured renegotiations which will - Expansion of cultures, greater cross help to improve some of the current cultural understanding situations which are of a concern for Immigration - Potential positives of the ‘liberal’ people in the UK. Spend some time influence from other EU countries on looking into these and considering - Freedom of Movement allows cit- rights and humanitarian issues (e.g. the benefits of these. izens to travel, work and live freely LBGTQI rights, gender equality) across countries in the European - Freedom of Movement puts at risk Key places for research to help aid Union the cultural identity of member states your decision making: - Gives UK employers access to a much larger labour market According to the BBC, if the UK were - The European Union Website - For the most part a nation cannot to leave the key potential models legally be selective about who is to retain strong links to EU nations - The BBC News, The Independent, moving there. would be: The Guardian, The Times, The Economist, The Real News, The Security The Norwegian model: Canary, The Telegraph – look into Britain leaves the EU and joins the all of the key news websites and - In theory, should be safety in European Economic Area, giving it papers. Focus on the broadsheets. numbers access to the single market, with the All of these exist with bias, but read - Intelligence services collaborate exception of some financial services, into a wide variety of sources. more but freeing it from EU rules on agri- Lack of borders and checks causes culture, fisheries, justice and home - Google! – question certain issues problems (e.g. in light of recent affairs and read about the pros and cons attacks) from different sources - UK would still be able to be part of The Swiss model: NATO if ‘out’ Britain emulates Switzerland, which - Wikipedia – while not always the is not a member of the EU but nego- more reliable source, it does provide Economy tiates trade treaties on a sector-by- help for basic definitions of the EU sector basis institutions and functions..

- Benefits of EU employment laws - Possibly less tax avoidance when The Turkish model: ‘in’ because of a coordinated effort The UK could enter into a customs from authorities union with the EU, allowing access - EU is UK’s main trading partner so a to the free market in manufactured new trading relationship would have goods but not financial services to be agreed - UK has major exports external to The UK could seek to negotithe EU, possible benefits of addi- ate a comprehensive Free Trade tional potential for expanding exports Agreement with the EU, similar to the outside of EU Swiss model but with better access for financial services and more say over how rules and standards are

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Societies Spotlight

F E M E NG : I N RWAN DA

ANNA ROBB FemEng is a group to promote women in engineering at the University of Glasgow (UoG), founded in 2013 by Ellen Simmons (then a 2nd year Biomedical Engineering undergraduate). Reaching an engaged audience of over 150 female students in the School of Engineering, FemEng facilitates outreach to schools and colleges, holds social events for students in the University, and organises networking sessions with inspirational guest speakers. We always welcome visits from alumni and/or individuals currently working as engineers.

Now run by a strong committee of dedicated young women, FemEng has been able to undertake the task of creating a partnership with the University of Rwanda (UR), in order to progress the work to bring women into engineering in both countries. In June 2016, a team of 8 female engineering students will embark on a trip to Rwanda to visit our counterpart group, and co-host a two-week long series of workshops and exhibitions for school students across the country. This trip will also involve time spent travelling to various organisations and companies to spread the word about our G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

work and learn more about the activities already taking place in Rwanda. Assisted by UoG’s International Dean for Africa, with the support of the Rwandan Minister for Education and the Vice-Principal of UR amongst many others, the project is deemed to be an important and novel initiative that will develop into a running partnership we hope to run for at least five years.

We will be based at the University of Rwanda’s campus in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city.

Rwanda is one of only two countries in the world whose parliament has over 50% of its members female. We are excited to see what we can learn from Rwanda’s culture.

“the project is deemed to be an important and novel initiative that will develop into a running partnership we hope to run for at least five years.”

The workshops we co-host in Rwanda will be aimed at 12-15 year-old girls as this is the crucial age to encourage and inform girls about potential STEM career choices, in accordance

with their school system. We will also target teachers and parents, who will have a huge influence on a student’s academic path. Having a team studying many different engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Biomedical, Aeronautical, Product Design and Software Engineering) we can show girls how vast and diverse engineering truly is.

These workshops feature an ‘Ideas Box’ donated by Dyson, Scratch computer programming, low-cost diagnostics (showing how simple technology can detect diseases that are problematic in this region) and design workshops with simple materials such as cardboard.

We also received a 3D ‘foldarap’ printer from University College Dublin, which will be a great tool in showing how quickly an idea can become a tangible object.

We believe one of the main reasons that capable individuals do not choose to study an engineering degree is that they do not know exactly what it could entail. We hope our wide range of workshops will open people’s eyes up to the many different applications of engineering.

Societies Spotlight

Our team here have interacted with local schools and colleges in Glasgow to present workshops of a similar nature and have experienced the rewards and inspiring effect this can have on young minds. We would like to be able to do this on a much larger scale, in an environment where much more is at stake for the students. We have all also benefited from our FemEng group in many ways; being part of a network of girls with common interests and similar goals allows females to feel comfortable and be inspired to strive for the best. It is anticipated that a chapter of FemEng will be founded within the University of Rwanda so that the work can continue once we return to Glasgow.

We have raised enough money to ensure success of the trip thanks to the University’s Chancellor’s fund and our sponsors CH2M, Western Ferries, STAR Refrigeration and the Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow. Any donations or sponsorships now will enhance the quality of our workshops and allow us to provide subsistence for our Rwandan counterparts and the schoolchildren who visit.

Engineers are essential to the progression, economy and success of every country and can take on a vast array of forms spanning different skill sets and talents.

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as capable as boys at STEM subjects in schools, the industry continues to be male dominated.

It is first vital that girls are given the opportunity to learn these subjects and are given the support and encouragement they need when deciding on future plans.

To find out more please visit: facebook.com/ femenginrwanda femengrwanda.wordpress. com gofundme.com/ femengrwanda

Though it is universally acknowledged that girls are twitter.com/uogfemeng

FemEng are Ellen Simmons, Jess Nic Shuibhne, Beck Hunter, Anna Robb, Catriona Holland, Magda Kowalska, Christie Sherlock and Nina Birchard G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

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Culture

‘ M I N D - N U M B I NG ’ M OVI E S AN D D OCU M E N TARI E S MATEI BOTEZ Exam period is definitely one of the most stressful parts of university life, often making you feel like you are losing your mind: the amount of material you have to catch up with means locking yourself in your room for the entire session, drinking litres of coffee and sleeping two hours a night.

But what if you do find a bit of spare time and are looking for something to help you relax and clear your mind from daily concerns? In this case, look no further: we have compiled a short list of mind-numbing movies and documentaries available on Netflix, so you can enjoy their de-stressing benefits in the comfort of your own home, without having to pay a cent (minus the Netflix fee).

We guarantee they will help you unwind and maybe even bring a smile on your face.

G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

Begin Again (2014) Begin Again is a true gem of a movie waiting to be seen. The musical dramedy starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo follows the story of a young singer-songwriter who is discovered by a struggling record label executive and who collaborates with him to produce an album recorded

in public locations all over New York City. A very pleasant indie film, almost poetic in atmosphere, it provides a glimpse in the lives of two flawed, profoundly human characters as they try to rediscover themselves after losing everything.

Culture

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on the four seasons, it delves into the cultural, historical and creative process of making wine, while illustrating the challenges faced by vine growers in harsh weather conditions. The passion with which wine makers talk about their craft is not only inspiring, but it provides a fascinating insight into one of the most valuable agricultural lands on earth. This documentary will enrich your general knowledge, help you forget your daily problems and, quite possibly, make you long for summer.

Chimpanzee (2012) the fairytale-like atmosphere Chocolat (2000) elevate the movie in a league of his own and will definitely A now-classic romantic comedy, attract viewers looking for a bit nominated for five Academy of disconnection from reality.

Awards, Chocolat tells the story But be warned: the hundreds of a young mother, who arrives of delicious looking chocoat the fictional French village late products may induce you of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes serious appetite! Our advice: in 1959. The village adheres keep a bag of chocolate(s) near closely to tradition, particu- you at all times. larly when it comes to religion, almost enforced on its inhab- A Year in Burgundy (2013) itants by the mayor Comte de Renaud. However, the woman, In keeping with the topic of along with her six-year-old food and drinks, A Year in daughter, opens a small choc- Burgundy feels like a docuolaterie, which quickly begins mentary you would watch on a to change people’s lives one Sunday evening while casually by one. A film that appeals to flipping through TV channels, the senses, it is also a scath- which makes it a perfect addiingly funny critique of organised tion to our list. The movie-docreligion and a fable about the umentary focuses on French importance of self-love, hope wine importer Martine Saunier and kindness, told from a fem- who follows seven wine-makinine point of view. The allur- ing families in the Burgundy ing performances of the main region of France through the actors – Juliette Binoche, Judy course of the full year 2011.

Dench and Johnny Depp – and Divided into sections based

It is safe to assume that when you have the Disney logo in a feature length film you know you are about to watch something of high quality. While the major studios may not be particularly known for their documentaries, Chimpanzee proves it can stand the test of time as well as their most beloved classics. Narrated by Tim Allen, it tells the story of a three-monthold chimpanzee nicknamed Oscar, who is separated from his tribe and then adopted by a fully-grown male. The simple story about individual triumph against all odds and family bonds in the animal kingdom is complemented by stunning cinematography and music score, which transport you into the African rainforest. Truly a film for everyone, it provides a remarkably intimate look at the life of primates in a manner that is equally refreshing and heartwarming. Definitely not to be missed, and perfect for your de-stressing needs.

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Column

SU M M E R STO RI E S : WO R KI NG T H E F R I NG E

SINEAD O’HAGAN

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Column The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest arts festival in the world and runs throughout the month of August. Whether you’re interested in comedy, music, theatre, magic, cabaret or even flash mobs, (we won’t judge) the festival provides a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

The festival runs throughout the month of August and usually brings with it the few of weeks of sunshine that Scotland gets all year. Edinburgh becomes an international hub bursting with colour, excitement and tourists blocking the whole Royal Mile.

This year I decided to spend a month of my summer working Front of House for the Gilded Balloon; one of the largest Fringe venues in Edinburgh. I worked 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks straight. This is the part when people usually question how this can be fun?

Well, think of it as freshers week, spanned over 4 weeks, seeing crazy, funny, wonderful acts for free, drinking discounted drinks, staying out until 5am every night, meeting relatively famous comedians AND getting paid for it! For the month the Gilded Balloon became my home and my colleagues became my family.

Whether you were exhausted from the night before, or ready to do the night all over again after work there would always be someone available to hang out with - or help you through the inevitable hang.

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Slave For You…minus the snake. Whilst looking like a 90’s pop princess, the job involved the following tasks;

pints with them at 3am in the morning. What’s even better about working at the fringe is that you get the opportunity to meet comedians and acts right - making sure the theatre was at the beginning of their career cleared so when they actually hit the big time you can say “Oh them?

- calling customers to form a Yeah I knew saw them before queue they were famous” and feel hipster as hell.

- checking and ripping tickets Although the festival only lasts - seating the audience for a month, the friends you make stay with you for life.

- giving the go ahead to the tech- Whilst in Australia I attended nician to ensure the show went the Adelaide Fringe Festival up on time which is extremely similar to Edinburgh - except it was Sounds easy - right? Well no: approximately 30°C every day. not always. Being the face of A lot of the people I had worked the venue means being friendly, with in Edinburgh were working pleasant and helpful to all cus- in Adelaide and it was amazing tomers even when these cus- to see so many friendly faces tomers are anything but pleasant when you were so far away from to you. One show in the venue home. Not only that but they began at 1am and stretched on were able to hook me up with until 5am so as the night went free tickets to shows as well. on the customers usually have had one too many drinks. All So if all that isn’t enough to conof a sudden they would lose vince you to work in the fringe the inability to form queues on then maybe this will…*quote time, take their seats and would Tillie*…bla de bla (tell people find it appropriate to ask you to to apply to Assembly, Gilded, take their ticket out of their jeans Udderbelly or Pleasance). pocket because they’re double parking. These things were . more so annoying than actual problems and if anything ever got too rowdy then security was simply a walk-talky call away.

This year the Gilded Balloon hosted incredible headline acts including Jo Brand, Tommy Tiernan and Ed Byrne. Working front of house enabled you to meet the acts as well. This Working front of house for the ‘meeting’, however, could range venue means you get to wear from sheepishly saying a star a headset mic making you look struck ‘hello’ in the corridor just like Britney Spears singing before their show to going for G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

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Column

B E E R BAR C HAT : EXAM SU RVIVAL

AMY MCSHANE Last week, it was Freshers’ Week 2015. That was great, wasn’t it? Four days ago, it was the December exams. In the last couple of days there was New Year, Refreshers’ Week and then the first lecture of term.

Tomorrow, it’s the exam period.

a massive bit nervous. Like, as nervous as you get when you leave a shop without buying anything and you don’t know what to do with your hands or whether to smile at the security guard and you feel like a criminal. That sort of nervous; all the time. To cure this conDid reading that feel completely stant anxiety similar to that of realistic to you? The chances an ameteur shoplifter, I decided are, you’re probably just doubt- to head to the Beer Bar. The ful about my ability to remember end. Or not quite...I decided to dates, but the truth is that is how ask around for some study tips. second year has felt to me: A Forget actual knowledge, all I WEEK LONG. I don’t even know need is some good old study what lecture hall my nine AM is tips! The same applies to you. in, let alone enough about the course to get anything above a A group of three girls caught D3. So when I start hearing the my attention. They didn’t look word ‘exams’ floating around nervous at all, quite the opposite, campus again, I start to feel a in fact. They must have great little bit nervous. Scratch that, study tips, I thought. Within ten G - Yo u | M a y E d i t i o n 2 0 1 6

minutes, I had extracted all the information I needed to smash my exams in a good way.

“Sometimes reading, reading and more reading can become so monotonous that it feels like no knowledge is going in.”

The first thing the girls mentioned (all second years studying something sciencey) was YouTube. Their number one tip was to go online and watch YouTube tutorials on all things sciencerelated.

Column

Undoubtedly, this is a great idea for those with practical subjects. But never fear, I cast my social science tinted mind back to the public lectures podcasts available on the education part of iTunes and TEDTalks. Sometimes reading, reading and more reading can become so monotonous that it feels like no knowledge is going in. Videos are stimulating and often easier to understand. This tip is definitely something I’ll be putting into practice when I feel myself falling into the pages of my book.

I then dared to ask about that contested subject: music. Is sound a yes or a no? I find personally, when I’m trying to activate those few precious brain cells, that absolutely any form of beat makes me want to dash out the library and onto the dancefloor of Hive, even if it’s some Ludovico Einaudi. Damn, that man. But the girls had other opinions.They expressed appreciation for something with a nice, rhythmic beat to keep the mind going. One of the girls even said she often goes for an ‘All Out Noughties’ playlist. She must have the concentration level similar to that of those guards outside Buckingham Palace; pretty damn unwavering. Two four years I spoke to later sided with me on the silence, but one quickly muttered something about ‘soft piano music’ when he thought the other couldn’t hear.

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about if you like a bit of Clair de Lune.

I changed the subject to snacks.

I’m sure nobody goes more than an hour without some sort of snack, whether it’s an egg mayo sandwich with ‘healthy mayo’ from the library cafe or a bag of Doritos and an Irn Bru to really get your cholesterol up. Top exam snacks to get top exam marks were: cake, chocolate, watermelon (“you gotta stay hydrated”) and all to be washed down with either tea or water. I was feeling significantly closer to a B3 as the conversation deepened.

“All I had to do was follow the gospel of these wise students and I would be seeing Bs and perhaps even As in the near future.”

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five, and I suppose this is probably because it is only one up on the lift of this metaphorical mountain.

As I detached myself from my gloriously sticky seat in the beer bar and headed for the door, I felt enlightened. All those top study tips really did seem like TOP tips. All I had to do was follow the gospel of these wise students and I would be seeing Bs and perhaps even As in the near future. As I galloped out of the union triumphantly, I glanced up the road to the library. Perhaps I should go and put my new tips into practice?

You know what, it’s Hive tonight and I’m feeling like celebrating.

I headed on home.

What about the best place to study? It was a unanimous vote the library is the only option. Top study people go to the library. It seems then, that the entire population of Scotland is in the ‘top study people’ category. Which level? Four was mentioned twice; a bold choice, but I agree with this one. My initial theory was ‘the higher you get, the less people will have made it there’ like a mountain or something.

But the reality is that this mountain has several lifts, so everyone takes the lift to the top.

Everyone is at the top. So, if you really think about it, level four should be significantly emptier, and this is often true. There are computers and desks almost always available on level four.

Someone else said level

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Lifestyle

E X A M F O OD S P EC I AL V EGAN M AC ’ N ’ C HE E SE : T H R E E WAYS KATE WHITAKER Mac’n’Cheese. Queen of the hangover cure. Staple of the student diet. How do those vegans survive without it? Answer: we don’t. Or at least, I don’t.

I have spent the last two years perfecting my perfect mac’n’cheese recipe, so listen up. Blood, sweat and tears went into this masterpiece (Not really… that’s not very vegan).

The secret is getting the ‘cheese’ flavour mix right and then you can make the sauce any way you want.

Here are three of my favourites.

‘Cheese’ Flavour Recipe: - 1 tsp Englisgh mustard (don’t worry, it doesn’t take like mustard AT ALL) - 1 tsp Marmite (/Vegemite/your preferred Yeast Extract) - 1 tsp Paprika - 1 diced clove of garlic (or ½ tsp of garlic paste) - 1 cup nutritional yeast (this is KEY and the holy grail of all noncheese mac’n’cheese. Get it in health food shops like Roots and Fruits, from the Food Coop or online. Trust me on this one. It’s also really good for you.)

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Wee bit of salt, pepper and Sriracha to taste!

Version Three: I Carrot Believe It’s Vegan

Sauce Recipes:

Boil 1 diced potato and 1 diced carrots until soft. Blend with ½ cup non-dairy milk (or more to make sauce thinner if necessary). Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil or vegan butter to make creamer if you want but it’s not necessary. Reheat and stir in cheese flavour mix.

Version One: Simply Substitute Heat 1.5 cups non-dairy milk (non sweetened!), 2 tbsp of vegan butter and 2 tbsp plain flour in a saucepan. Stir constantly until sauce starts to thicken, do not let it come to boil. Take off the heat and stir in cheese flavour mix.

Version Two: Never Bean Better Blend 1 cup of rinsed cannellini beans, ¼ cup vegan butter, ½ cup non-dairy milk (non sweetened!

Add more to make sauce thinner if necessary) and cheese flavour mix.

Plus there are hundreds more options online, ‘cheese’ sauce made with aubergine, cashews, cauliflower you name it. Add these sauces to cookedmacaroni or cooked vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli or green veg like kale) and TADAH, quick, delicious, vegan mac’n’cheese. You’re welcome.

Lifestyle

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E X A M CO O KI NG I DEAS ALICE COCKBURN With the intensity of exam period at an all-time high eating healthy, regular meals can end up low on the priority list. My stint in the library with dissertation writing and final exam sitting is now over and I was the worst for not planning ahead and buying all my food on the go. However, it put a serious dent in my bank account. So here are some recipes, most of which can be made in bulk, and are definitely what I would do if I had to do it all again!

just use a normal mug or glass).

Heat a frying pan with some oil or butter and spoon the mixture in.

When little bubbles start to appear around the edges of the frying pan, flip them. You can have them with pretty much any toppings you fancy, like yoghurt, fresh fruit, honey or maple syrup. Any leftover batter will keep overnight in the fridge.

Breakfast

200g mixed nuts

At risk of sounding preachy, breakfast is an important meal, and not worth skipping. It will improve your ability to focus until lunch, and makes you less likely to binge in the evening. Here are two options, one which requires a bit more prep time and one which can be popped in a contained to eat on the go.

400g oats (or gluten free oats)

Quick pancakes (vegetarian, 2 portions) - 1 cup self-raising flour (I use wholemeal as it’s more filling and nutritious) - 1 cup milk (diary alternatives work just as well, I’ve used soya and almond) - 1 egg - Any soft fruits or flavourings of your choice (blueberries are my favourite).

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl (if you don’t have measuring cups,

Granola (vegetarian, can be vegan and gluten free)

100g of seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, flax etc…)

Lunch and dinner Having something warm and more nutritious than a refrigerated sandwich makes the afternoon slump more bearable so, in my opinion, thermos’ are the way forward! Here are some good recipes to cook in bulk and reheat in the mornings.

Sweet potato, red pepper and coconut soup (vegan, gluten free, 4 portions) 2 onions, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons coriander 1kg sweet potato,

400g of honey or maple syrup (this can be lessened according to personal taste)

4 red peppers,

Preheat the oven to 180c. Place the nuts in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin then add them to a bowl with the oats and seeds. Mix in the honey or maple syrup (pop the honey in the microwave to make it extra runny for a few seconds). Tip the mixture onto a baking tray lined with greasproof paper and bake for around 30 minutes until crunchy and golden brown.

1 litre vegetable stock

Store in a jar or tupperwear and it keeps for months! When you’re rushing out in the morning, pop some in a bowl or pot and add some yoghurt and fresh fruit. ones from the library café!

If you’ll be eating it over the longer period of time, freeze it in portions that will fit in your thermos and defrost them when needed.

2 cans coconut milk,

Fry the onions and garlic in oil until they are soft, add in the coriander and fry it for 1 minute. Then add the sweet potato and the pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the stock and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

Leave it to cool, puree and then add the coconut milk. Reheat when needed.

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Lifestyle

HEAL T H Y L I B RARY L UN C H AL TE R NAT IV E S LOTTIE VAN GRIEKEN Need an alternative to the classic library egg sandwich? The temptation around exams is to fill up on sweets and chocolate to get that quick energy boost to make it through yet another library session.

However, if you want a few cheap and healthy exam eats and snacks, look no further. Having invested in a shiny new lunch box, a flask and a decent water bottle, I had a bit of that ‘first day of school with shiny new uniform’ feeling (which generally lasts 10 minutes into the new school year). However, unlike a new school uniform, packed lunches have changed my studying life and made long library days that little bit easier, and I’ve also found I’ve started saving money. Previously, lunch was a worthy excuse to abandon studying for a couple of hours, under the pretence of going home to make some food, or go to a nearby café for a ‘treat’ (everyday). However, bringing lunch with me (and mixing up these ideas with classic wraps and sandwiches) is so worth the pennies at the start of term, and not to mention the environmental benefits of not using a new plastic bottle and 10 different library paper cups of coffee a day.

Spending an extra 15 minutes in the morning, I now set off to a day of studying equipped with a bottle of water, a flask of tea and a freshly made packed lunch, some fruit (and still some chocolate biscuits, I couldn’t ditch them forever). Here are some of my favourite lunches.

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Couscous and kale salad:

Courgette

Couscous

Cherry tomatoes

Kale (boiled for 2 minutes)

Cut up and roast the peppers and warm up the lentils. Mix it all together with the goats cheese.

Feta cheese

Soup, of any kind is a saviour. My personal favourite is Pea and Mint Mixed nuts/seeds soup, made simply with peas, an onion, a medium sized potato and Simply cook the couscous and kale 30g of mint. But, as well as this, my and throw all the ingredients into a flatmates and I often make a mixed bowl and mix it up with a tiny bit of vegetable soup (basically using up olive oil and balsamic vinegar. all the veg leftover that might go off otherwise e.g. green peppers).

Lentils and goats cheese salad: Hummous with veg pieces or some Lentils (puy lentils are particularly kind of oatcakes are an energy yummy) boosting snack with no preperation involved.

Goats cheese As well as this, I like making a mixed Red peppers salad with lettuce or spinach as the base and mixed in with avacado, cucumber and tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes

Pic of the Month

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P HOTO G RAP H Y CO M P E T I T IO N WI N N E R

Our winning entry comes from Natalia Gasiore, who captured Halsey performing at the O2 Academy Glasgow.

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